Places to See and Things to Do in Raleigh, NC

The Ultimate Raleigh Destination Guide

Raleigh is a great place to find yourself for a quick weekend getaway with your sweetheart or a longer vacation with your family. There is something for everyone in Raleigh. We’ve compiled a list of some of some of the best things in Raleigh. From sports to recreation, shopping to the arts, Raleigh is the place for fun.

Raleigh Recreation

Raleigh and the surrounding areas are full of fun things to do and recreation opportunities. Here are a few suggestions to get outside and have some fun.

Capital Area Greenway Trail System

The Capital Area Greenway System is a trail system that connects open spaces and parks throughout the Raleigh area. These trails are used for bird watching, studying nature, fishing, walking, jogging, and hiking. It’s the perfect way to see some of Raleigh’s most natural beauty.

JC Raulston Arboretum

This beautiful garden features one of the largest collection of plants adapted for use in the Southeast. Located on the North Carolina State University campus, this stunning garden is open to the public for free. This garden changes seasonally which means there is something to see all year round.

Lonnie Poole Golf Course

This Arnold Palmer designed course has beautiful views of the Raleigh skyline and North Carolina State University campus. Besides being open to the public, this is also the home to the men’s and women’s varsity golf teams at NCSU. It’s a great course good for all skill levels.

Family Fun

Raleigh is loaded with fun things to do for all ages. Here are some fun places to check out with your family.

Marbles Kids Museum

This is the place where play and education meet up. With daily education programs, interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater, there is something to engage and enthrall your children.

Raleigh Sports Teams

If sporting events are your thing, Raleigh is the place to be. Soccer is alive and well in Raleigh with the North Carolina Football Club and the North Carolina Courage teams. The Carolina Hurricanes are the local NHL team. If baseball is your game, catch a Carolina Mudcats game for an unforgettable night at the ballpark.

Day Trips From Raleigh

There is plenty to keep you busy in Raleigh but if you want to get out and explore, we have compiled some interesting and fun places to visit. They are all within a few hours of Raleigh which means you have more time to have fun.

Durham, NC

If you’re a Civil War enthusiast, the short drive to Durham will be worth it. Be sure to visit the Bennett Place State Historic Site which features historic structures and historical reenactments. If art is more your style, don’t miss the Nasher Museum at Duke University. With more than 10,000 works of art, not including the rotating traveling exhibits, there is something for everyone to see.

Mount Airy, NC

Take a trip back in time with a visit to Mount Airy. This charming town was the inspiration behind the fictional town of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show. Take a stroll down the picturesque Main Street before you take in a show at the Andy Griffith Museum and Playhouse. This town is full of southern hospitality that will keep you coming back for the sweet tea slow pace.

Car Rental Raleigh

Getting around Raleigh is easy when you rent a car from one of the convenient Avis Raleigh car rental locations. From zippy economy cars to luxury cars and SUVs, there is a car to fit every vacation. And with convenient service at the RDU airport or the city locations, getting around Raleigh has never been easier.